Crime is a topic of great public interest and concern. For many, the concern comes from the perception that rising levels of crime constitute an increasing threat to their safety and their property. The public's perception of levels of crime is often influenced by media reports. As the media tends to focus on certain types of crime it can distort the public's perception of crime in our society. This report provides an overview of the actual levels and types of recorded crime in New Zealand.
Although it is commonly accepted that the actual number of crimes committed is higher than the number of crimes reported to and recorded by police systems, the data recorded by the New Zealand Police remains one of the best indicators of crime in New Zealand.
Crime in New Zealand: 1994 to 2000 is the first of a series of web-based analytical reports Statistics New Zealand will produce during the next three years. These reports will examine social trends and issues of current interest. The next report (School Leavers With No Qualifications) looks at the transition to employment of school leavers with no or low qualifications.